Chang’e-4, China’s lunar probe, has completed the first soft landing on the far side of the moon. The touchdown represented one small step for a Chinese probe and one giant leap for mankind’s space exploration.

From the first visit by Luna-1 in 1959 to the soft landing of Chang’e-4 in 2019, lunar exploration has spanned 60 years, yet unknown realms still wait to be discovered. Let’s see what Jia Yang, deputy chief designer of the Chang’e-4 probe and chief designer of the Yutu lunar rover, has to say about Chang’e and Yutu.

China’s lunar probe program was formally launched in 2004. On January 3, 2019, the successful landing of China’s Chang’e-4 probe on the far side of the moon marked a significant step for human exploration of outer space and a pristine exhibition of human wisdom and cooperation.

“After living for more than 70 years, I have seen many ups and downs. But I feel excited now because I am so proud. Humans will finally land a spacecraft on the moon’s far side, and Chang’e-4 is ready.”